Nightguards
Nightguards in Hamilton and Columbus, GA
Nightguards can help you get a good night’s sleep and protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. At Southeastern Dental Center, we offer a variety of dental nightguards to fit your needs. We can help you find the perfect one based on your symptoms and preferences.
Custom nightguards are one of the most popular dental services for relief from teeth grinding. They’re a great way to reduce stress, headaches, and jaw pain.
If you are looking for a way to get a good night’s sleep and protect your teeth, contact Southeastern Dental Center today!
What is a Nightguard?
A nightguard is a dental appliance worn over the upper and lower teeth during sleep. They are custom-made to fit the individual’s mouth and can be made from various materials, including hard plastic, soft silicone, or gel. The nightguard helps to protect the teeth from clenching and grinding.
In most cases, the nightguard will need to be replaced yearly to maintain a snug fit. Wearing them effectively reduces pain and discomfort if you find that you are grinding your teeth, have temporomandibular disorder, or are clenching your jaw at night.
Signs and Symptoms You Might Need a Nightguard
You may need a nightguard if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:
- Waking up with tension-type headache pain, migraine pain, or jaw pain
- You suffer from TMJ disorder
- Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold
- Waking up with a sore jaw
- Clenching or grinding teeth during the day
If you think you might need a nightguard, consult with our dental team. We will be able to determine whether or not a nightguard is right for you and take measurements for a custom fit.
For many people, a nightguard is an effective way to reduce symptoms, protect teeth from further damage, and prevent jaw disorders from progressing.
Types of Dental Nightguards
There are three main types of nightguards: full coverage, partial coverage, and boil-and-bite.
Full Coverage
Full coverage nightguards are designed to cover all upper and lower teeth. They are generally made from a hard plastic material, providing the most protection for the teeth. Full coverage nightguards can also be bulky and uncomfortable, so they may not be the best option for everyone.
Partial Coverage
Partial coverage nightguards only cover the back teeth. They are less bulky than full coverage nightguards and may be more comfortable for some people. However, they do not provide as much protection for the teeth as full coverage nightguards.
Boil-and-Bite
Boil-and-bite nightguards are made from a soft material that becomes pliable when heated in water. They are then inserted into the mouth and allowed to cool, at which point they will form a custom fit. Boil-and-bite nightguards are less expensive than custom-made nightguards, but they are not as comfortable or practical.
Getting a Nightguard from a Dentist vs. Over the Counter
There are several reasons you should get a nightguard from a dentist rather than over the counter.
- A dentist can custom-make the nightguard to ensure you have an accurate fit that is comfortable to wear and provide the best protection for your teeth.
- Over-the-counter nightguards usually do not last as long as a nightguard made by a dentist.
- Getting a nightguard from a dentist allows you to get professional advice on how to care for your nightguard.
During your appointment, your dentist can help identify which type of nightguard best fits your dental care needs.
Oral Health Benefits of Nightguards
In addition to protecting the teeth from clenching and grinding, nightguards can also provide other oral health benefits.
They can help to:
- Reduce stress
- Prevent headaches and painful migraines
- Relieve jaw pain
- Decrease teeth grinding
- Improve sleep quality
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, a nightguard may be able to help. Nightguards are a simple and effective way to improve your oral health, and they can be made to fit any mouth size and shape.